Carver County board adopts resolution supporting suburban transit providers
Summary
The Carver County Board of Commissioners voted to adopt a resolution backing suburban transit providers, citing concerns about proposed state changes that could fold opt‑out agencies into the Metropolitan Council and reduce local service.
The Carver County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Oct. 21 to adopt a resolution urging lawmakers to preserve suburban transit providers and oppose proposals to shift their functions to the Metropolitan Council.
Supporters said the move is intended to protect local service levels and guard against a potential state budget shift that could cut suburban service. "I can tell you this for a fact… it costs us $12 a person to send people to downtown on our express bus… on Metro Transit it costs $15," Eric Hansen, CEO of Southwest Transit, told the board. "You will have less service and you'll have less efficient service" if opt‑out agencies are eliminated, he said.
The resolution responds to legislative discussions, including comments by a Minnesota lawmaker, that Hansen said have indicated an interest in eliminating suburban “opt‑out” transit agencies and reallocating funding. Hansen told the board he had met with members of the House and Senate transportation committees and with Representative Cagle, whom he said expressed interest in both eliminating suburban providers and reducing county revenue streams.
Board members framed the resolution as a request for county legislators to protect current service arrangements. Commissioner Fahey moved to adopt the resolution; Commissioner Anderson seconded. Chair Workman called for the vote and the motion passed.
Commissioners noted Southwest Transit’s recent ridership growth and cited efficiency measures in support of the county’s position. Hansen provided comparative metrics, saying Metro Transit had lost 4% ridership in the prior 12 months while Southwest Transit had gained 17% and that administrative overhead for Southwest Transit is "22% of our budget" compared with 24% for Metro Transit.
Several local cities, Hansen said, have already passed similar resolutions. Commissioners indicated the county will send the adopted resolution to its legislative delegation and to regional partners.
The board did not specify a resolution number in the meeting record.
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